Police patrols to be increased at Newtown schools Monday

Nanci G. Hutson

Updated 12:04 am, Saturday, November 23, 2013

NEWTOWN -- With the release of the state's attorney's report on the mass shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School scheduled for Monday, extra police will be posted at all seven of Newtown's schools, including the temporary Sandy Hook School location in Monroe.

Interim Schools Superintendent John Reed sent parents an email Friday notifying them of the Newtown Police Department's decision to provide the extra patrols. He said the decision was prompted by concerns about additional traffic and media that could result from the report's release and noted that other area police departments would help in the effort.

"I agree with the plan of the Newtown Police Department for this extra presence," Reed wrote. "It will help ensure a reasonable educational environment and protect the privacy of our students and staff."

The long-awaited report compiled by Danbury State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky III is slated to be released at 3 p.m., near the end of the school day.

Parent Christine Ames said she thought having the police would allow the schools to operate in a more normal fashion.

"I think it's a good idea (to have extra police officers),'' said Ames, who has two students in the district. "And provide security for the kids."

With the anniversary of the shootings approaching, Reed and other town leaders have taken steps to ensure the privacy and safety of residents. First Selectman Pat Llodra announced last month that there would be no official town observances of the anniversary so as to reduce the potential media onslaught. Local businesses, and even some churches, have barred the media from their premises.

Reed urged parents to be vigilant about what their children see online.

"It is difficult to believe, but a violent computer simulation (flash) game, which allows users to re-enact the horrific events of the Sandy Hook tragedy, has been developed and surfaced online,'' Reed wrote. "Exposure to this game could have a very harmful impact on children viewing it."

Earlier in the week, Reed informed parents that the report was to be released, and provided tips on how to deal with the children and their reactions to information that may be revealed.

"By supporting one another we will work our way through these challenging circumstances,'' Reed concluded in his Friday letter.